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Mansukh Mandaviya

Mandaviya Honours Commonwealth Weightlifting Medallists, Urges Them to Inspire Young Athletes

/ Governance Community

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated India’s medal-winning weightlifting contingent from the Commonwealth Games 2026, awarding cash incentives and encouraging the athletes to inspire young Indians by engaging with students in schools and colleges. To recognise their achievements, the Minister presented ₹30 lakh to gold medallists, ₹20 lakh to silver medallists and ₹10 lakh to bronze medallists. India’s weightlifting team concluded its Glasgow campaign with an impressive tally of eight medals—one gold, six silver and one bronze—across 11 weight categories, while also setting multiple Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records alongside several personal-best performances. Congratulating the athletes, Mandaviya said the nation celebrated every medal won by the team and noted that their achievements were acknowledged in Parliament, reflecting the country’s pride in their success. The Minister also lauded the contribution of coaches, particularly Dronacharya awardee Vijay Sharma, describing coaches as the backbone of an athlete’s journey and recognising their role in producing world-class champions. Among the standout performers, Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu created history by becoming the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals. Rishikanta Singh and Valluri Ajay Babu set new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch event, while Gyaneshwari Yadav and Harjinder Kaur registered personal-best lifts during the competition. Highlighting the success of government-backed sports programmes, Mandaviya noted that six of India’s 11 weightlifters are Khelo India Athletes. He added that medallists such as Gyaneshwari Yadav, Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder Kaur have trained at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Patiala, which has become a key hub for nurturing elite sporting talent. Calling the athletes role models, the Minister urged them to visit educational institutions and share their journeys of perseverance and achievement to motivate more young people to embrace sports. During the interaction, Mandaviya discussed the athletes’ training experiences, personal struggles and preparations for the 2026 Asian Games. The lifters credited national coaching camps, international exposure and scientific training for helping them reach the podium and expressed confidence about bringing more honours to India. The Minister also encouraged athletes who narrowly missed medals, reminding them that setbacks are an integral part of competitive sport and urging them to continue striving for excellence. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sports development, Mandaviya said initiatives such as Khelo India are creating a strong talent pipeline by providing athletes with world-class coaching, scientific support and competitive opportunities to excel on the global stage. Separately, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi applauded the outstanding performance of India’s women athletes at the Commonwealth Games, noting that Nari Shakti played a pivotal role in the country’s campaign by winning eight of India’s 13 gold medals across boxing, weightlifting, judo and para athletics. In a post on X, she highlighted that five Indian women boxers secured gold medals and said their achievements reflect the growing strength of women’s sports in the country. She added that their success is inspiring a new generation of girls to pursue sporting excellence and credited the progress to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India’s daughters are ushering in a new era of sporting achievement. Source: DD News

Mandaviya Honours Commonwealth Weightlifting Medallists, Urges Them to Inspire Young Athletes Read More »

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform

/ Governance Community

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to credit an annual interest rate of 8.25% for the financial year 2025–26 into nearly 34 crore EPF accounts by July 15. Announcing the development, Mansukh Mandaviya said that more than ₹1.44 lakh crore will be transferred to subscribers through the organisation’s newly launched Centralised IT Enabled Services (CITES) platform. The minister also confirmed that EPFO has successfully completed the migration of its member records from a decentralised system to a unified centralised database. This transition will provide members with access to a single online portal where they can check their PF balance, membership details, claim status, pensionable service records, and other benefits through one integrated interface. The new CITES platform introduces automated pre-validation of claims, allowing the system to assess eligibility, identify missing information, and notify members if their withdrawal request exceeds the permissible limit before it reaches an EPFO office. The automation is expected to reduce claim rejections and significantly improve first-time claim approval rates. The CITES initiative is part of EPFO’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernising service delivery through automation and rule-based processing. The platform is expected to enhance operational efficiency while offering faster, more transparent, and citizen-centric services to EPF subscribers. Source: News on AIR

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform Read More »

Government Urges Delivery Platforms to Scrap 10-Minute Delivery Promises to Safeguard Gig Workers

/ Governance Community

The central government has asked online food delivery and quick-commerce companies to abandon rigid “10-minute delivery” guarantees, citing serious concerns over the safety of gig workers operating under intense time pressure. Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday held discussions with senior representatives from platforms including Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Zomato. During the meeting, he stressed that delivery partners’ safety should take priority over speed and advised companies to remove strict delivery timelines from their apps, advertisements and promotional campaigns. Following the government’s intervention, Blinkit has reportedly withdrawn its “10-minute delivery” claim across its branding platforms. Other companies also assured the ministry that they would eliminate delivery-time commitments from their advertisements and social media content. The move is being viewed as an important step toward improving working conditions for delivery partners, who often face unsafe situations while rushing through congested city roads to meet aggressive deadlines. Concerns around gig workers’ safety, wages and rights have gained momentum in recent weeks. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been vocal on the issue, consistently drawing attention to the challenges faced by delivery workers. On Monday, he shared a video on social media documenting his experience spending a day as a delivery partner in Delhi. Wearing a quick-commerce jacket and riding pillion on a two-wheeler, Chadha navigated heavy traffic and delivered parcels to highlight the realities of gig work. He said the experience helped him understand workers’ lives beyond policy discussions and corporate boardrooms. Earlier this month, Chadha welcomed the draft social security rules for gig workers, describing them as a crucial first step toward recognition, protection and dignity. Chadha has also supported gig workers who observed a nationwide symbolic strike on New Year’s Eve, demanding fair pay, safer working conditions and social security. The protest, organised by gig worker unions, saw thousands of delivery partners logging off or reducing work across several states, leading to service disruptions on one of the busiest days of the year. Chadha termed their demands legitimate, noting that gig workers are a vital pillar of India’s urban economy. Source: IANS

Government Urges Delivery Platforms to Scrap 10-Minute Delivery Promises to Safeguard Gig Workers Read More »

BCCI still not a national sports federation, Mandaviya tells Lok Sabha

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF), Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed the Lok Sabha on Monday, reaffirming a long-standing position that is likely to change after the National Sports Governance Act is fully implemented next year. Responding to a question from Trinamool Congress MP Mala Roy, who sought clarity on whether the government plans to step in to oversee major sports bodies such as the BCCI and the financially strained All India Football Federation (AIFF), Mandaviya said NSFs are autonomous, voluntary organisations expected to adhere to sound governance practices. He clarified that the BCCI has so far remained outside the NSF framework because it does not depend on government funding. However, once the new law comes into force, the BCCI will be required to register as an NSF, as cricket has been included in the Olympics and is scheduled to feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Games in the T20 format. Passed in August, the National Sports Governance Act provides for the creation of a National Sports Board (NSB), which will introduce stricter accountability norms. Under the new system, all NSFs must secure NSB recognition to be eligible for central government funding. Addressing concerns related to transparency, Mandaviya noted that the government has eased provisions related to the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Only sports bodies that receive government grants or assistance will fall under the RTI framework, offering relief to the BCCI, which has consistently opposed RTI coverage. The minister also told the House that NSFs receiving annual grants exceeding ₹1 crore are subject to audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. Source: PTI

BCCI still not a national sports federation, Mandaviya tells Lok Sabha Read More »

EPFO launches Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025 to boost workforce formalisation

/ Human Resource Community

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced the Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025, a new initiative designed to encourage employers to voluntarily declare and enrol all eligible employees under the provident fund system. The scheme was launched on the occasion of EPFO’s 73rd Foundation Day by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Effective from November 1, 2025, the scheme offers employers an opportunity to regularise employees’ provident fund coverage with minimal penalties. As per the guidelines, employers will not have to pay the employee’s share of contribution if it was not deducted earlier, and will face only a nominal penalty of ₹100. According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the initiative aims to promote formalisation of the workforce and enhance ease of doing business, ensuring that more workers gain access to social security benefits. Speaking at the launch, Mandaviya emphasised that EPFO is not just a fund but a symbol of trust and social security for millions of Indian workers. He highlighted that all reforms should reach workers in simple, accessible ways so that their benefits can be felt directly. Central Provident Fund Commissioner Ramesh Krishnamurthi announced that the upcoming EPFO 3.0 platform will introduce enhanced digital features to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. He noted that recent initiatives — including simplified withdrawal options, the Viswas Scheme, Aadhaar and face authentication, the revamped ECR system, and the Centralised Pension Payment System — are part of EPFO’s broader digital transformation journey to provide seamless, technology-driven services to over 70 million subscribers. Labour Secretary Vandana Gurnani underlined EPFO’s critical role in executing the Prime Minister’s Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY), which aims to create 3.5 crore new formal jobs across various sectors. The scheme, she said, reflects the government’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities and securing the financial future of India’s workforce. Source: Economic Times

EPFO launches Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025 to boost workforce formalisation Read More »

Labour Ministry Partners with Zomato to Generate 2.5 Lakh Jobs Annually, Boost Gig Economy

/ Human Resource Community
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In a move to strengthen India’s gig economy and expand employment opportunities, the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with food delivery platform Zomato. The collaboration aims to create around 2.5 lakh flexible job opportunities every year through the National Career Service (NCS) portal. The MoU was formalised in the presence of Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya. The initiative seeks to integrate gig and platform-based roles into the formal employment framework, thereby connecting youth and women jobseekers to dignified, technology-driven livelihood options. Mandaviya highlighted that the NCS portal, launched in 2015, has already facilitated over 7.7 crore job vacancies, serving as a critical link between employers and job seekers across sectors. The partnership with Zomato, he said, will further expand this ecosystem, benefitting both organisations and millions of job aspirants nationwide. Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring social protection for every worker — organised and unorganised alike. She added that the MoU aligns with the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) and the larger vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which focuses on employment formalisation and universal social security. Under the newly introduced ‘Aggregator’ category, Zomato will regularly list flexible livelihood options for gig and delivery workers on the NCS portal, offering structured and real-time access to earning opportunities. In the past year, the ministry has entered into similar partnerships with 14 major organisations, including Amazon, Swiggy, Rapido, Zepto, Apna.co, FoundIT, TeamLease, and others — collectively creating more than five lakh employment opportunities across the country. Source: PTI

Labour Ministry Partners with Zomato to Generate 2.5 Lakh Jobs Annually, Boost Gig Economy Read More »

PM Modi: ‘Bharatiya Model’ Driving Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

/ Governance Community
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday endorsed an article by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, which underlined how the philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” is shaping India’s development journey. Mandaviya’s piece described how governance reforms have transformed lives — electricity is now a basic facility rather than a luxury, welfare schemes are delivered directly to beneficiaries, and infrastructure planning is powered by digital platforms. Sharing the article on X, PM Modi said, “This Bharatiya Model, first tested in Gujarat and later implemented nationwide, has carried governance to the grassroots, ensuring promises translate into delivery. It is paving the way for Viksit Bharat by 2047.” In another post, PM Modi hailed Indian chess star Vaishali Rameshbabu for defending her FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss title in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The victory also secured her a spot in the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Calling her success an “outstanding accomplishment,” the Prime Minister lauded Vaishali’s dedication and wished her success in upcoming challenges. Vaishali scored 8 points in 11 rounds, edging past Kateryna Lagno on tie-breaks to claim the crown. With this, she became the third Indian woman to qualify for next year’s Candidates tournament, joining Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy. The achievement adds to a landmark year for Indian women’s chess. For Vaishali, it also marks a strong comeback after recent setbacks, including modest results in events like the Chennai Grand Masters Challengers, Norway Chess Women’s Tournament, Women’s Grand Prix (Austria & Pune), and the Tata Steel Women’s Challengers. Source: DD News Photo Credit: PTI

PM Modi: ‘Bharatiya Model’ Driving Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 Read More »

Lok Sabha Passes National Sports Governance Bill to Reform India’s Sporting Framework

/ Governance Community

New Delhi – The Lok Sabha on Monday cleared the landmark National Sports Governance Bill, a key reform aimed at creating a transparent, accountable, and world-class sports administration system as India prepares to bid for hosting the Olympics. The bill was passed in the absence of the opposition, which was protesting over the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya described the legislation, alongside the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025, as a vital step toward strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem to meet international standards. He noted that while sports have been an integral part of Indian heritage — often linked to warfare — post-independence, the sector did not receive the necessary focus. “Despite our size, India’s Olympic and global sporting performance has been below expectations. This bill aims to change that,” he said. Key Features of the Bill: The National Sports Governance Bill establishes a legal framework to regulate National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring fair governance, athlete protection, and administrative accountability. Its provisions include: Transparent governance standards for NSFs. Implementation of safe sport protocols and grievance redressal systems. Standardized election processes to avoid disputes. Measures to ensure gender diversity in leadership roles. Stronger athlete representation in decision-making bodies. Financial transparency and stricter oversight. One of its most notable provisions brings the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the NSF governance framework. Once enacted, the BCCI will be required to seek annual recognition, and its legal disputes will be handled by a new National Sports Tribunal. Neither the BCCI nor its affiliated state bodies will be able to directly approach courts for dispute resolution. The bill also tackles ten chronic issues in Indian sports administration, ranging from recurring litigation and lack of dedicated dispute resolution bodies to the absence of legal backing for safe sport mechanisms. Age & Tenure Provisions: Addressing long-standing debates, the bill permits office-bearers to complete their term even if they turn 70 during tenure. It also sets clear tenure rules — a maximum of three terms of four years each (12 years in total) — with a mandatory cooling-off period of one term before re-election if they have served three consecutive terms. This legislation, previously returned twice by the Cabinet and once by Parliament due to disagreements, now marks a significant policy win for the BJP-led NDA government. Source: Economic Times

Lok Sabha Passes National Sports Governance Bill to Reform India’s Sporting Framework Read More »

National Sports Governance Bill to Be Introduced in Parliament This Monsoon Session

/ Governance Community

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has confirmed that the much-anticipated National Sports Governance Bill will be tabled in Parliament during the upcoming monsoon session, set to begin on July 21. The minister made the announcement while speaking at an event organized to unveil new initiatives by the Department of Youth Affairs focused on combating drug abuse. Mandaviya stated, “The bill will be introduced in Parliament during the upcoming session. I will share further details in the next couple of days.” Designed to enhance transparency and accountability in Indian sports administration, the proposed bill seeks to establish a central regulatory board. This body will oversee the recognition and funding of National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring they comply with best practices in governance, finance, and ethics. The draft legislation also outlines the formation of independent Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions to safeguard the integrity and transparency of sports governance in the country. However, the bill has faced resistance, particularly from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which contends that the formation of such a regulatory board may infringe upon its authority as the apex body managing NSFs. In a parallel initiative, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will host a three-day Chintan Shivir in Varanasi from July 18 to 20, focusing on the issue of substance abuse among the youth. Titled ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’, the conclave aims to chart a roadmap toward a drug-free India by 2047. The event will begin with participant registration on July 18, and the main sessions will commence on July 19 at the Rudraksh Convention Centre. Around 500 delegates are expected to attend, with five representatives each from 100 spiritual and social organisations. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Culture, the Narcotics Control Bureau, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), and various youth groups will be actively involved in the event. The Kashi Declaration, a national action plan to address drug addiction, will be released at the conclusion of the conclave, summarizing the key discussions and outcomes from the sessions. Source: PTI  

National Sports Governance Bill to Be Introduced in Parliament This Monsoon Session Read More »

Sports Regulatory Board Aims to Ensure Governance, Not Interference: Mansukh Mandaviya

/ Blogs

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the government’s intent to enhance governance in sports while maintaining the autonomy of national federations and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). His remarks come as the Union Government plans to introduce the draft National Sports Governance Bill in Parliament, with the establishment of a Sports Regulatory Board as a key feature. Key Features of the Draft Bill: Regulatory Authority: The Board will oversee the granting, renewal, and suspension of affiliations for the IOA and national sports federations. Composition: A five-member body comprising one Khel Ratna and one Dronacharya awardee, chaired by the Secretary (Sports), and including the Director-General of the Sports Authority of India as an ex-officio member. Mandatory Disclosures: Annual public disclosures by the national Olympic committee, national sports federations, and the national paralympic committee. Concerns Over Autonomy: IOA president P.T. Usha expressed reservations, warning that the Board’s overarching powers might be perceived as government interference, potentially inviting suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Minister Mandaviya acknowledged Usha’s concerns but clarified: “We don’t want to interfere but cannot leave things unattended. It is our responsibility to ensure transparency and adherence to international regulations.” He further stressed the need for consensus and alignment with IOC guidelines to avoid suspension risks. Recent Interventions: Highlighting the necessity of governmental involvement, Mandaviya cited his intervention to ensure Indian wrestlers’ participation in a world championship. This was after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) withdrew entries due to legal disputes. “If we hadn’t stepped in, our wrestlers would have missed a global opportunity. Such situations require responsible oversight,” he noted. Next Steps: While Mandaviya refrained from providing a specific timeline for the Bill’s introduction, he assured that it would be a “mature and balanced” legislation aimed at fostering transparency and excellence in Indian sports. As the debate continues, the proposed Sports Regulatory Board stands as a pivotal step in reshaping the governance framework for Indian sports while safeguarding its global standing. Source: The Hindu Photo Credit: The Hindu

Sports Regulatory Board Aims to Ensure Governance, Not Interference: Mansukh Mandaviya Read More »